Biopsychology of Psychiatric Disorders

These flashcards cover key concepts, terms, and definitions related to the biopsychology of psychiatric disorders based on the provided lecture notes.

Psychiatric disorder

A disorder of psychological function sufficiently severe to require treatment by a psychiatrist.

Positive symptom of schizophrenia

Symptoms that present abnormal behaviors, such as hallucinations, delusions, and incoherent speech.

Schizophrenia onset

Typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood.

Concordance rate

The probability that a close biological relative of a patient will also be diagnosed with the same disorder, specifically schizophrenia.

Monozygotic twins

Twins that are genetically identical, often used in studies to estimate the genetic influences on disorders.

Anticholinergic side effects

Side effects that include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and urinary retention, often associated with antipsychotic medications.

Dopamine antagonist

Drugs, such as chlorpromazine, that block dopamine receptors without activating them.

Atypical neuroleptic

A class of antipsychotic drugs, like clozapine, that does not have a high affinity for D2 receptors.

Clozapine

The first atypical neuroleptic, used for treatment-resistant schizophrenia.

Benzodiazepines

A class of drugs commonly prescribed for treatment of anxiety disorders, functioning as GABA agonists.

GABA

A neurotransmitter that inhibits excitability in the nervous system and is often targeted by anxiolytic medications.

Mood stabilizers

Drugs that act against depression without increasing mania and vice versa.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Medications, like fluoxetine (Prozac), that increase serotonin levels in the brain to treat depression.

Neuroplasticity theory

The theory that depression is caused by a decrease in neuroplastic processes in the brain.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

An anxiety disorder characterized by recurring uncontrollable thoughts and impulses.

Anxiety disorder

A mental health disorder characterized by excessive fear or anxiety that disrupts normal functioning.

Epidemic of anxiety disorders

An increase in the prevalence of anxiety disorders among various populations.

Tourette syndrome

A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by motor and vocal tics.

Translational research

Research aimed at translating basic scientific discoveries into clinical treatments.

Clinical trial phases

The stages of testing a new drug's safety and efficacy in humans.

Iproniazid

The first drug marketed as an antidepressant, developed initially for tuberculosis but found to elevate mood.

Phobic anxiety disorder

A type of anxiety disorder where individuals have an irrational fear of a specific object or situation.

Elevated-plus-maze

A test used to measure anxiety in animals, depicting a model of anxiety through behavior.

Concordance of affective disorders

The rate at which members of the same family or twins develop similar affective disorders.

Neuroleptics

A class of drugs used to manage psychosis, particularly in schizophrenia.

Dopamine theory

A theory positing that schizophrenia is associated with dysregulation of dopamine neurotransmission.

Monoamine theory of depression

The theory that depression is linked to low levels of monoamine neurotransmitters.

Tics

Involuntary movements or utterances found in disorders like Tourette syndrome.

Neuroimaging studies

Studies using brain imaging technologies to observe structural and functional brain changes.

Psychotic symptoms

Symptoms that involve a disconnection with reality, commonly seen in schizophrenia.